Welding is a rewarding skill, but it can be tough on your eyes. I remember the first time I experienced that gritty, burning sensation after a long day of welding. It felt like sand was stuck in my eyes, and the light sensitivity was intense. It made me realize that proper eye protection is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. This guide shares what I've learned to protect my eyes during and after welding.
Initially, even with safety glasses, I still felt discomfort after welding. I started questioning whether the protection I was using was sufficient, or if maybe older gear wasn't up to par. It felt like a mild case of arc eye, and it got me thinking about the sensitivity of my eyes to the welding process. I began to suspect that I was more sensitive than others. It was a frustrating experience because I loved welding but hated the aftermath.
I also noticed that the discomfort seemed worse on certain days. It wasn't just the brightness of the arc; sometimes, it felt like a general strain, similar to what I experience after a long gaming session. This made me wonder if I was unconsciously squinting or keeping my eyes wider than usual, leading to eye strain and dryness.
Another issue I faced was reflected UV radiation. I often wore lighter-colored clothing, and I suspected the UV rays bouncing off my clothes were contributing to the problem. It was a gradual realization, but once I connected the dots, I knew I had to make some changes.
To address the brightness issue, I experimented with different lens shades. I found that using a shade 13 welding lens was significantly more comfortable for my eyes. When I used anything lower, my eyes felt funny. This might be because my eyes are particularly sensitive to light, but it's a solution that has worked well for me. I would advise anyone experiencing discomfort to try a higher shade number.
I also realized the importance of controlling my blinking and eye movement. I tried to be more aware of blinking regularly and avoiding staring directly at the arc for extended periods. This helped reduce eye strain and dryness. It's similar to the advice given to gamers – take breaks and consciously blink!
To combat the reflected UV radiation, I switched to wearing darker clothing while welding. I also created a makeshift curtain that hung down from the front of my hood to my chest. This simple addition drastically reduced the amount of UV radiation reaching my eyes and neck. It also helped keep smoke from getting under the chin of my hood, which was an added bonus.
After welding, I found that using a cool compress on my eyes helped soothe any irritation. I also made sure to stay hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Artificial tears also provided temporary relief from the gritty feeling.
One thing I also learned is the importance of storing my glasses properly. I started using the Classic PU Pearlescent Eyewear Accessories Glasses Box from mozaer.com to keep my welding glasses safe and clean. It's a small thing, but protecting my glasses from scratches and dust helps ensure they perform optimally when I need them. I really like the black version, it's super sleek. It's a great way to protect my investment in proper eye protection.
Here's a summary of the practical tips I've learned for protecting your eyes while welding: